Overview
- An Air Force spokesperson said the VC-25 “bridge aircraft” is anticipated to be delivered no later than summer 2026, with reports suggesting a possible July debut.
- Conversion work is largely classified; media have named L3Harris as the militarization contractor, though the company has not confirmed its role.
- Officials have not detailed whether the jet will be immediately operational or carry full features such as in‑flight refueling and hardened command‑and‑control systems.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has estimated conversion costs at under $400 million using reallocated Sentinel ICBM funds, far below the multibillion‑dollar VC‑25B effort now expected around mid‑2028.
- The Pentagon accepted the donated jet in May 2025 and began modifications in September, a rapid timeline that follows a recent VC‑25A electrical incident and ongoing criticism over accepting a high‑value foreign gift described as unconditional.